The Economy and Growth Scrutiny Panel are scheduled to discuss the City Centre Public Realm, the Business Improvement District, and the Panel's work programme at their meeting. They will also review actions taken as a result of resolutions and queries raised in previous meetings.

City Centre Public Realm Update

The panel are scheduled to receive a presentation on the City Centre Public Realm ¹ scheme from Joshua Carr, Construction Project Manager, and Ruth Taylor, Service Lead - Placemaking.

The presentation is expected to cover the next phase of the scheme, which is now fully underway. All £19.1m project funding from three funding streams has been approved. According to the report pack, the delivery of this project supports key strategic policies and proposals, including The Future City Centre Masterplan, The Evening and Nighttime Economy Strategy and the Cultural Corridor.

The report pack divides the scheme into two parts:

• Part 1 - Chapel Ash Island to Red Lion Street
• Part 2 - Red Lion Street to the Interchange

Part 1 started construction in early 2025, and involves constructing new cycle lanes, improving bus stops, replacing old paving, upgrading traffic signals, installing new street furniture and resurfacing carriageways. The report pack notes that progress has been hampered by a corroded water main, but works have now started on abandoning it. Completion of Part 1 is expected ahead of the Christmas embargo on 21 November.

The construction design package for Part 2 has been finished and is with CWC for internal reviews. It will include all previous public realm improvements including events spaces, improved landscaping and new hostile vehicle mitigation ². Construction is due to start in early 2026 on multiple fronts and complete in 2027.

The report pack identifies a number of project risks, including:

• Underground utilities in poor condition
• Property cellars in poor condition

The report pack states that a business support package approved by the Scrutiny in July 2024 is being successfully implemented. The council is offering support and information for businesses to help with preparation, and is offering ongoing guidance and support.

The report pack also notes that total footfall in the scheme area is up 21.9% compared to the same time last year.

Business Improvement District (BID)

The panel is scheduled to discuss the work of the Business Improvement District (BID) within the city. The report pack does not contain any further information on this topic.

Economy and Growth Scrutiny Panel Work Programme and You Said, We Did

The panel will be asked to receive the You Said, We Did document, and to consider whether they are satisfied with the actions taken.

The You Said, We Did document provides an overview of actions taken as a result of the panel's resolutions or raised relevant queries. The actions from the first meeting of the Economy and Growth Panel of the municipal year, which was held on 2 July 2025, are listed in the attached spreadsheet.

The panel is also scheduled to discuss the planning of the work programme for the year ahead.